Saturday, July 15, 2017

Summer fruits seem to be filled with the joy and sunshine of the
season. That is why I share my 6 favorite summer fruit superstars. Each is plentiful right now at local farmer's
markets, picked fresh from a home garden, or purchased at a neighborhood
store.

Buying in-season,
locally grown produce is an easy way to assure fruits are loaded with flavor and eye-appeal. In-season fruits are freshest and often on sale. Since locally grown fruit doesn't have to be transported long distances to get to your table, it costs less and tastes better. It's alive with goodness.

I shop the sales, and look for organic items. Organic fruits taste
better than conventionally grown ones, and organic produce has a nutritional advantage. Organic means that the produce thus labeled is a safe way to enjoy eating food that hasn't been sprayed with toxic chemical pesticides, hasn't been grown in sewer sludge, and doesn't pollute the
environment or the people who eat it.

According to the Mayo
Clinic Website thereis a growing body of
evidence that shows health benefits of eating organic foods, when compared
with conventionally grown foods.

Studies have
shown small to moderate increases in some nutrients in organic produce. The
best evidence of a significant increase is in certain types of flavonoids,
which have antioxidant properties. Also noted is the fact that organically
grown produce has lower detectable levels of pesticide residue.

Michael Greger
MD at Nutritionfacts.org/topics/organic-foods
states “Children raised on largely organic,
vegetarian diets may have a lower prevalence of asthma and allergies. The
President’s Cancer Panel report recommends choosing organic, especially for
children, the most vulnerable population for increased environmental cancer
risk.”

6 Colorful Summer Fruit Superstars

Farm Fresh Organic Peaches

Peachesare one of the
sweetest treats of summer eating. A medium size one is only 60 calories, yet
it’s a healthy source of dietary fiber, Vitamin A, Niacin and Potassium,
and a very good source of Vitamin C. Select fruit that feels heavy for its
size, and gives just a bit when pushed. Avoid fruit that has green near the
stem, as this is a sign that it's not ripe. See The Healthiest Fruits to Eat During Summer for a Beautiful Body Inside and Out.

Organic Apricots are Juicy and Flavorful

Apricots are a delicate, temperamental summer fruit. This yellow/orange
colored fruit is harvested starting in late spring in warmer areas and through
early summer. The most delicious apricots neither travel nor keep well, so take
care when selecting them. This fruit does not have saturated fat or cholesterol
and is very low in sodium. It’s a good source of dietary fiber and Potassium,
and a very good source of Vitamin A and Vitamin C. Read 10 Impressive Apricot Benefitsfor more.

Sweet Organic Cherries are Deep Red/Almost Black in Color

Cherry varieties that are sweet and well-known are Tulare, Bing,
Lambert, Chelan, and Sweetheart. Most look slightly heart-shaped, and have dark
red or almost "black" colored flesh. Cherries are a good source of dietary fiber
and Vitamin C and a whole cup of sweet cherries has only 77 calories. This luscious fruit contains antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory properties,even against
serious conditions such as gout, arthritis, fibromyalgia, or painful
muscle-related sports injuries.For more see What are Sweet Cherries Good For?

Blueberries rank second to strawberries in
popularity in the U.S. This dark blue fruit has one of the highest
antioxidant capacities among all fruits, vegetables, spices, and seasonings.
Antioxidants are essential in optimizing health by helping to combat the free
radicals that can damage cells and DNA. Enjoy eating a cup of raw
blueberries — rather than relying upon blueberries baked into desserts. Like other fruits, raw blueberries provide you with the
best flavor and the greatest nutritional benefits.

Organic Strawberries and Organic Blueberries Are Sweet and Delicious

Strawberries are loaded with goodness. Studies show
that those people who eat just a cup a day (only 50 calories),have higher blood levels of folate, vitamin C and
phytonutrients, and a higher intake of fiber than those who don’t eat
strawberries. It appears that including strawberries in your diet might help
you achieve and maintain a lowered risk for developing certain diseases like
high blood pressure, heart disease, and even some forms of cancer. For an easy
to prepare strawberry and blueberry recipe combo see this red-white-and-blue recipe.

Watermelon
is a good fruit to eat, if you want to stay
cool during the summertime. Its high water content helps keep you
hydrated. No wonder watermelon is the fruit of choice at so many summer meals. Eating a fully
ripe watermelon pays off in terms of nutrient, anti-inflammatory, and
antioxidant benefits. When ripe, its bright reddish-shade signifies its’ loaded with the
antioxidant lycopene. See this recipe Watermelon and Tofu Summer Salad, a cooling dish for your summer eating pleasure.

Savor eating mouthwatering fresh summer fruits for snacks, dessert, or incorporated into dishes. Choose to munch on these 6 Colorful Fruit Superstars, and enjoy good flavors, good health, and colorful living.

Saturday, July 1, 2017

When I investigated food safety information from the Center
for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), I discovered food dyes can cause
everything from hyperactivity and allergic reactions to cancer. For food safety and public health reasons, this consumer
watchdog (CSPI) is calling for the government to ban all food dyes.

That's Why It's So Important to

Read all food labels. This is how to determine if ingredients in the product you are about to
buy are safe and healthy. See FDA
Food Guidance Regulation Document for more. Smart consumers look for labels that state, "This food contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservative."

Petition
government officials. Let them know you favor increased labeling regulations so labels list every ingredient
on each label.

Speak Out to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Demand artific1al
colors be banned from all food in the U.S. There is no health, nutrition, or
other need for them. Sign This Petition to Tell-the-FDA-to-Ban-Harmful-Synthetic-Food-Dyes.

Stress the Fact that the FDA Needs to Conduct and Supervise Ingredient Testing by Independent Researchers. Currently, food
manufacturers are within the law to test their own products.

Reach out
to your U.S. Senators and Representatives, as well as State and Local Officials. Ask them to pass laws that require manufacturers to place warning labels on products that cause even one allergic reaction, behavioral
issue, or is associated with any illness including gastrointestinal conditions and cancer.

Common
Sense, observation, and scientific studies are proving the effects of eating artificially colored foods, snacks, soda, desserts, and the like result in impulsiveness, inattentiveness, and
hyperactivity among young children. Many of these foods are also sugar, fat, or salt laden, and filled with empty calories.One way to test this is to take stock of how you feel and act after Halloween. Notice how weird and hyperactive you and your kids act, if you've been munching on the unhealthy treats your kids collected. Take a look-see at Dr. Michael Greger's video and Website, if you're interested in improving your family's health. Then read Are-Artificial-Colors-Bad-for-You?

Eat foods that are minimally processed and snack on organic foods like those in the picture below. Take advantage of mother nature to add colorful eye appeal to meals, by eating fruits and veggies that get their vibrancy the natural way.